Clawson teen works to feed the needy

Shawn Bailey, a Clawson Boy Scout, is on a mission to collect a quarter ton of food for needy families in his hometown.

Bailey, 13, said he also wants to raise awareness about the Clawson Food Pantry, which distributes food twice a month to those who need it from its location at Grace Apostolic Church, 700 E. Elmwood.

“My goal is to collect 500 pounds of food over three weeks,” Bailey said. “I also want more people to know there is a food pantry in Clawson that could use their help. Not many people know about it, but I think it’s important for people to know how they can help.”

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the next three Sundays, Bailey will have a booth at the city’s Farmer’s Market at Clawson City Park. He’ll collect whatever canned and non-perishable goods he can and at the end of each Sunday take them to the Food Pantry.

Bailey, who is working to become an Eagle Scout, is also creating a website for the food bank to help raise its profile in the community.

“The food bank is so good for the community I thought someone should help them along to get more awareness,” he said.

Mayor Penny Luebs said volunteers in Clawson and at Grace Apostolic Church established the food bank several years ago after it was suggested by former city intern Liz Carnegie. The city worked with a volunteer at the church who had started a food program there.

The volunteers now have an account with the non-profit Gleaner’s Community Food Bank where they can buy up to a ton of food for about $200 that includes vegetables, milk and bread. There are also food donation boxes in city buildings and some businesses in Clawson.

The Clawson Food Pantry is open from 5:30-7 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month. It serves about 26 families each time it is open.

“I think the Food Pantry is a wonderful example of how community groups come together to meet the needs of people,” Luebs said. “I know each of us feels better when we help other people.”